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On February 20, 2010, the PBA
presented plaques to several legislators who had worked
on PBA bills. Numerous chapter leaders representing
chapters around the state chapter gathered at Big Shotz
Tavern in Winston-Salem for the presentation and
luncheon.
Appreciation plaques were presented to Senator Pete
Brunstetter, Senator Linda Garrou, Rep. Larry Womble and
Tracy Ingram (received plaque on behalf of her mother
Rep. Earline Parmon) for their work in passing SB 411
into law. SB 411, Amend Survivor's Alternate Benefit,
provides that the survivor of an officer killed in the
line of duty may choose a life-time pension benefit
rather than a onetime withdrawal of the funds that the
officer contributed to the state retirement system. The
bill also sets the required time in service of the
officer at 15 years for the survivor to receive this
benefit. Before the introduction of this bill,
contributions by the officer and earned interest were
simply returned to the beneficiary.
This bill was introduced at the request of the PBA and
filed in honor of Winston-Salem Police Sergeant and PBA
member Howard Plouff. Sgt. Plouff was shot and killed in
the line of duty after responding to assist fellow
officers on February 23, 2007. Sgt. Plouff was a 17 and
1/2 year veteran officer who left behind his wife and
high school sweetheart, Ms. Joyce Plouff and two
daughters.
Representative Nelson Dollar was also in attendance to
receive a plaque for his efforts in passing HB 816
(Clarify the Local Separation Allowance) into law. HB
816 was introduced at the request of the PBA by Rep.
Tricia Cotham. The PBA requested that Rep. Dollar also
join the bill as a primary sponsor along with Rep.
Jennifer Weiss and Rep. Marian McLawhorn. HB 816 is
legislation that clarifies the law regarding the special
separation allowance provided to law enforcement
officers under the local governmental employees’
retirement system. Officers or deputies retiring from
local government, who otherwise meet the eligibility
requirements, will now be able to work in any full time
capacity for state government and receive the separation
allowance. In addition, a local government employer may
employ retired officers in a public safety position that
doesn’t require participation in the local governmental
employees’ retirement system, and doing so shall not
forfeit the officer’s separation allowance. HB 816 was
passed into law on July 31, 2009.
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